Crime
12-year-old Elijah Smith killed in house party shooting in National City
Four other males, ranging in age from teenagers to young adults, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The National City Police Department has identified 12-year-old Elijah Smith as the victim who tragically lost his life during a shooting at a house party late Friday night.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred just before midnight at an abandoned home located at the end of a cul-de-sac on N Avenue near Ninth Street.
Police report that gunfire erupted following a physical altercation.
Officers responding to the scene were met with chaos as over 100 people crowded the area.
Victim and Injuries
Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Elijah Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four other males, ranging in age from teenagers to young adults, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Evidence and Investigation
By Saturday morning, the scene revealed evidence markers scattered across the area, indicating the high volume of gunfire that abruptly ended the party.
National City Police Captain Derek Aydelotte described the toll the tragedy has taken:
“It’s horrific. I’m a father, as are many of our officers. To witness something like this is extremely difficult.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
Detectives are working to determine what led to the altercation and subsequent shooting.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
- Contact Information:
- National City Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 619-336-4411 (ask to speak with a detective)
- Crime Stoppers: 619-531-1500
All tips can remain anonymous. Police hope the community’s cooperation will bring clarity and justice in this devastating case.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.